by Elizabeth Monks Hack
The Cypress Gallery has prepared a spectacular show for you this month, akin to the excitement of fireworks seen a few days ago. Featured artist Chris Jeszeck, along with the rest of our amazing gallery artists, have on display strong and bold artworks that are sure to give a thrill. Jeszeck’s “To Fluidity and Beyond” is the summation of the artist’s varied explorations of “fluid art,” and her current study of traditional realism.
Fluid Art is a term used to describe the art of pouring paint onto canvas, and in Jeszeck’s case onto a variety of surfaces. The act of pouring and the paint itself are controlled and manipulated, to create a somewhat unpredictable explosion of effects. The “and beyond” of the show’s title refers to Jeszeck’s inclusion of realistic motifs into the abstract environment of the painting. It also references her still life paintings, rendered with the golden light of Renaissance art.
Each piece that hangs on the wall of this featured show represents an artist’s journey through techniques and transformations; yet they are certainly the product of a single artist’s mind. Sweet little mice scurry through an environment of poured “cells,” as does a preening ostrich in “Beak Performance.” A giraffe so real you want to touch his fuzzy neck reaches for leaves, in “Leaf It To Me.” The girl can’t help it!
Humor aside, Jeszeck displays pieces of serious beauty. Whether abstract or hyper-realistic, the viewer absorbs their power. “Solar Drift” with its striking violets and gold, sends a jolt through the spine. The emotive “Quiet Conversation” depicts a blue and white ceramic vases with tulips and fruit, evoking a Dutch still life. Jeszeck will give a demonstration of the art of pour this Saturday. The show is up until July 27.
Our main gallery artists and their distinctive styles are on full display, shining like peacocks. Lee Hill’s adventurous forays into wildlife painting gets stronger with each show. His powerful “Brother Rams,” with its delicate mountainous background, is a must see. Joe Goetz’s oil painting “Lompoc Park Oaks” zigzags through a light-infused landscape of textured strokes. Goetz also displays wonderfully varied gift items, including lapidary works combined with painting.
Janice R. Knox shows two gorgeous seascapes this month. Her distinctive mark-making with the brush, and the gray and blue color palette, come together beautifully in her “Wave” paintings. Vicki Andersen’s four powerful pictures take on color like a weapon against sadness. Large modernist paintings by Ellen Thermos employ design and color for emotional impact. Michael Corob uses black ink on large white paper to create joyous, playful works of art.
Our gift shop, located in the center of the gallery, keeps growing in quantity and sophistication. You will love what we have for sale. Small objects made from gourds and wood, jewelry, glass, cards and more are moderately priced precious works of art. Visit our website for information on shows, classes and events. Support us this summer. Bring along your friends, family and summer guests to see a show of local, pyrotechnic creativity!